How to Clean Your Panini Maker

There is nothing like a fresh, warm panini right off the press. At my house, we actually use a George Foreman indoor grill, like this one, to make paninis. Whether you have a real panini press or wing it like we do, these tools can be hard to keep clean…especially if the plates aren’t removable. Here’s how to keep yours clean and ready for action when a craving hits.

1. Don’t Skip it

You may be tempted to simply put away your panini press if it “looks clean” after using it. But the best thing you can do is clean it after each use, even if it doesn’t appear to need it. This is the only way to avoid grimy, germ-filled build-up. Once it cools off, at the very least wipe it down with a paper towel. If you’ve sprayed it with non-stick spray before using, this shouldn’t be too difficult.